Caves of South Africa You Must Visit

Featuring dramatic rock formations, fossilised lifeforms dating back millions of years, and ancient cave paintings that tell the stories of early human life, South Africa’s caves are among the most fascinating in the world. Whether you’re walking through vast limestone chambers or crawling through tight tunnels, exploring the best caves in South Africa is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike.

From the Cango Caves in South Africa, one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, to coastal caverns carved by the tides, here are the famous caves in South Africa you’ll want to add to your travel list.

Image by Alf Igel

Cango Caves – The Most Famous Cave System in South Africa

Arguably the most iconic cave system in the country, the Cango Caves in South Africa is also one of the longest in the world, with over 5.3 km of chambers and tunnels. Located near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, the caves are known for their dramatic dripstone formations, ancient stalactites, and cathedral-like chambers.

You can explore this incredible natural wonder as part of two of our guided tours:

• South African Rail Discovery – This unique journey combines scenic rail travel with curated excursions through South Africa’s most iconic landscapes, including a tour of the grandeur of the Cango Caves.
• The Very Best of South Africa Tour – As the name suggests, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of South Africa’s culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. You’ll visit Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves, walking through ancient chambers illuminated to reveal their awe-inspiring scale and detail.

Whichever route you choose, the Cango Caves promise a fascinating glimpse into South Africa’s geological past and a true highlight of your journey.

Bothongo WonderCave – A Hidden Gem Beneath the Surface

Discovered by Italian miners in the late 1800s, the Bothongo WonderCave is over 5 million years old. Located within the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO site, it’s the third-largest cave in South Africa and a treasure trove of ancient beauty.

Descend 87 steps (or take the elevator) into a world of glittering stalactites, cave pearls, and shimmering rimstone pools. The natural rock sculptures inside have been forming for millennia, creating an atmosphere that feels both mystical and serene.

Sterkfontein Caves

The Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa are globally famous for their fossil finds and are part of the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a must-visit for palaeontologists. These limestone caves are where “Little Foot” was discovered, an almost-complete hominid skeleton dating back over three million years.

Sterkfontein has played a pivotal role in the study of human evolution, with scientists from nearby universities continuing to explore its depths. Guided tours take visitors through walkways into fossil-rich chambers, offering a powerful connection to our prehistoric ancestors. If you’re interested in early human history, this is one of the best caves in South Africa to visit.

Sudwala Caves – One of the Oldest Cave Systems on Earth

One of the oldest cave systems on earth, the Sudwala Caves were first formed 240 million years ago. Some of the world’s oldest lifeforms have been found in its limestone walls, encased for eternity. Visitors can walk through vast chambers such as the 70-metre-wide Amphitheatre and marvel at stalactites and formations with names like Samson’s Pillar and The Rocket. The combination of geological wonder and ancient life makes Sudwala one of the most awe-inspiring caves in South Africa.

Pinnacle Point Caves

Overlooking the ocean in Mossel Bay, the Pinnacle Point Caves offer more than just beautiful sea views – they are one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Declared a Provincial Heritage Site, this system of sea caves contains evidence of early Homo sapiens dating back over 160,000 years.

Guided tours explain the significance of the tools, bones and hearths found within the caves, offering insight into how early humans lived and adapted to coastal environments. If you’re fascinated by where we came from, these are some of the most significant caves to visit in South Africa.

Image by Ian Turk

Waenhuiskrans Cave – A Sea Cave with Spectacular Ocean Views

Only accessible at low tide, Waenhuiskrans Cave near Arniston is one of the most visually striking sea caves in South Africa. To reach it, you’ll need to navigate a short but scenic walk over coastal rocks before slipping through a narrow opening.

Inside, you’ll find a vast, echoing chamber carved by waves, with views of the sea framed perfectly by the cave mouth. It’s one of the best sightseeing places in South Africa for photographers and nature lovers alike.

What About Blombos Cave?

While currently closed to the public due to ongoing research, Blombos Cave in South Africa deserves mention for its archaeological importance. Located along the southern Cape coast, it’s the site of the earliest known human-made drawings – etched ochre fragments dating back 73,000 years. Though not open for tours, its legacy continues to influence how we understand human history and South Africa’s global significance in it.

Explore South Africa’s Caves on a Distant Journeys Tour

Whether you’re descending into ancient fossil beds or marvelling at dramatic sea-carved caverns, the largest caves in South Africa offer incredible experiences beneath the surface. They’re a powerful reminder of the natural and human forces that have shaped this region for millions of years.

To explore the country’s incredible landscapes, including its caves, coastlines, wildlife, and cities, consider joining one of our expert-led South Africa tours. From historic Cape Town to the Garden Route and Oudtshoorn, you can even add an extension to visit the Cango Caves in South Africa in person.

Featured image Pinacle Point Estate